COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - A state senator is demanding the board that oversees the Columbia Metropolitan Airport explain spending $450,000 on marketing that includes a suite and tickets at Colonial Life Arena.
Democratic Sen. Dick Harpootlian of Columbia says it appears airport board members mostly use the suite for friends and family.
The State newspaper reports Harpootlian wrote in a letter that the airport shouldn’t give free VIP parking passes to lawmakers.
Airport spokeswoman Kim Jamieson says the suite provides the board a distinct advantage wooing businesses over other airports only offering tickets to sporting events.
Harpootlian wants the airport board to appear at next month’s Richland County Legislative Delegation meeting.
The airport gets no state or local taxes. Its public board is appointed by Richland and Lexington County lawmakers and Columbia City Council.
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Information from: The State, http://www.thestate.com
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